i've just read through the commentary and it's interesting to note that as of Usman being on 80*, all of the boundaries that he has hit through the off-side - and which haven't been through edges - have been off Rainbird, Doherty and Faulker, the lesser bowlers. The boundaries he's hit off Bird and Butterworth have been on the legside or edges. So that's a bit of a bummer. You take it, but you'd like to see/hear him hitting Bird and Butterworth into the covers/down the ground, given the whole issue with Usman is being tied down on off-stump by good bowling. (ala copeland last match)

Bellerive's been an 'interesting' venue this season. Last time Tas served up such a succession of spicy decks, Hilf took wickets aplenty and it eventually got him a Test spot. Can we kick them out of the Shield now?

randy-petes made 55 last week. katich made 10, the keeper at ten 0 and 2 extras. so the others added 43. they made 237 this week - katich 137, the keeper at ten 46 and extras 10. so the others added 44 runs. they're improving! and Tuffy took 8/36. what a guy